Adullamites (thing)

Group of dissident Whigs in 1860s Britian, split from the party over the issue of parliamentry reform. They were led by Robert Lowe, who dissaproved of the extension of the franchise on principle. Called the Adullamites by John Bright as Adullam was the cave David fled to in the Old Testament, gathering around him, "every one that was in distress,... and every one that was discontented" (Samuel22:1-2). The Addlumite split in 1866 caused thew downffall of Lord John Russell's second ministry and allowed Benjamin Disaeli to becom Prime Minister.